On Reducing Power Losses in Stack Multicell Converters with Optimal Voltage Balancing Method

This paper proposes a voltage balancing method for stacked multicell converters (SMCs) based on phase-disposition pulse-width modulation (PD-PWM). In order to reduce the switching transitions of the power devices, only optimal transitions between consecutive voltage levels are used. Selection of the optimal transition sequence is performed by evaluating a cost function. Significant reductions in the switching transitions and power losses of the power devices are achieved as compared to the optimal-state voltage balancing method where nonoptimal transitions are allowed. Simulation and experimental results from a seven-level 3×2 SMC verifies that the proposed PD-PWM voltage balancing method is robust under linear/nonlinear loads and transients.